Grants8 | The most comprehensive grants search on the web

Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The KPT Scaleup Booster is an acceleration program designed to support the development and international expansion of innovative technology startups and young game studios. Its core objective is to connect these young companies with established industrial partners, investors, and game publishers to foster business model and technology growth. This grant is SECTOR-SPECIFIC with dedicated paths for 'Industry 4.0' solutions (covering areas like IIoT, VR, AR, AI, big data, robotics, automation for business process digitization) and the 'Gaming' sector. However, it also offers a 'Sector Agnostic' path for startups seeking general business, networking, and financial support, making it broadly accessible to tech-focused businesses. The primary geographic scope for project implementation is Poland. The 'Go Global' path specifically targets international expansion into markets such as Lithuania, Estonia, Romania, Slovakia, and the USA. This means while the grant is awarded in Poland, the projects often have an international reach. Key filtering criteria for initial screening include being a tech-focused business operating for no longer than 5 years, having at least a prototype solution, and meeting specific Technological Readiness Level (TRL) requirements: up to TRL 5 for the 'Agnostic' path, and TRL 5/6 or higher for the 'Industry' and 'Go Global' paths. The program runs in recurring rounds, offering multiple application opportunities.

Financial Structure

The KPT Scaleup Booster program offers non-refundable grant funding to selected startups. Here are the key financial details:

Funding Amount: Each supported startup is eligible to receive a grant of up to 300,000 PLN (Polish Zloty). There is no specified minimum grant amount.
Currency: All financial amounts are in PLN.
Funding Rate: The grant is described as 'bezzwrotne dofinansowanie' (non-refundable funding), implying that 100% of the granted amount is covered by the program up to the maximum limit. No specific percentage of eligible costs is provided.
Matching Fund Requirements: The grant materials do not specify any mandatory matching fund or co-financing requirements from the applicant's side.
Eligible Costs: While a detailed list of eligible costs is not provided, the grant is intended to support the development of the business model and technology, including validation, testing, and preparation for market expansion. This would typically cover expenses related to product development, pilot implementations, expert services, and other activities directly contributing to the project's objectives.
Payment Schedule and Mechanisms: The specific payment schedule and disbursement mechanisms are not detailed in the provided documents. However, typical acceleration programs often disburse funds in tranches linked to the achievement of agreed-upon milestones.
Financial Guarantees: The documents do not mention any requirements for financial guarantees or security from the applicant.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the KPT Scaleup Booster program, your organization must meet the following non-negotiable criteria:

Organization Type: The program targets 'startups', 'micro and small enterprises', 'technology companies', and 'young game studios'. A 'startup' is specifically defined as an enterprise that has been operating on the market for no longer than 5 years and is already at a certain stage of development, possessing at least a prototype solution.
Legal Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the mention of 'companies' and 'studios' implies that applicants must be formally registered legal entities.
Project Maturity / Technical Readiness Level (TRL):
- For the 'Sector Agnostic' path: Your solution should be at an early stage of development, up to TRL 5 (Technology validated in a relevant environment).
- For the 'Go Global' and 'Industry' paths: Your solution needs to be more developed, above TRL 5, specifically TRL 5/6 (Technology demonstrated in relevant environment) for the 'Industry' path, or a solution/game that is ready for dynamic internationalization for 'Go Global'.
Geographic Location: The project must be implemented within Poland. While international expansion is a program objective, the primary location of the applying entity and project execution must be in Poland.
Solution Focus: Your proposed solution should be a B2B product, designed for the industrial sector (Przemysł 4.0) or the gaming industry. Solutions for the 'Industry' path must specifically address technological challenges identified by the program's corporate partners.

Application Process

Applying to the KPT Scaleup Booster involves a structured process with multiple rounds:

Application Deadlines and Submission Windows:
- Sector Agnostic - Round 1: Applications are accepted from 2025-04-15 to 2025-08-17.
- Sector Agnostic - Round 2: Applications are accepted from 2025-08-01 to 2025-12-31.
- Industry - Round 3: Applications are accepted from 2025-11-01 to 2026-01-15.
- GoGlobal - Round 3: Applications are accepted from 2026-02-01 to 2026-03-10.
- The latest possible submission date across all listed rounds is 2026-03-10 23:59:59.
Application Procedure and Steps: The application process is primarily online, with an explicit call to 'Wypełnij wniosek' (Fill out the application) via the accelerator's website. The process is organized into distinct rounds, allowing flexibility for applicants.
Required Documentation and Materials: The specific list of required documents for submission is not detailed in the provided information. Applicants should refer to the full program regulations available on the accelerator's website.
Types of Support Offered:
- Financial Support: A non-refundable grant of up to 300,000 PLN.
- Mentorship and Consulting: Access to a team of experienced experts and specialists providing mentoring and consulting in areas such as law, finance, marketing, sales, and management.
- Networking: Opportunities to network with other Polish founders, industry experts, and a broad startup ecosystem.
- Direct Market Access: Direct access to potential clients through the program's network of over 200 industrial firms and several investment funds, including 'Demo Day' events for presenting solutions.
- Practical Support: Hands-on support from the accelerator's team throughout the acceleration period.
- Capacity Building: Includes workshops, advisory sessions, and study visits tailored to the startup's needs.
Project Implementation Timeline: Startups follow an 'Individual Development Path' (IPA) tailored to their specific needs, with planned and agreed-upon milestones. The program itself runs in 'half-yearly editions', suggesting typical acceleration phases are approximately six months. The overall program is scheduled to run until the end of 2026.
Reporting Obligations: Progress tracking is based on the 'Individual Development Path' (IPA) and the achievement of agreed milestones. Specific reporting schedules are not detailed but are inherent to a milestone-based program.
Application Assistance Availability: Applicants are encouraged to contact the program's helpline, email ([email protected]), or phone numbers (+48 536 450 510) for questions or additional consultations.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications for the KPT Scaleup Booster program are evaluated based on both 'formal criteria' (as detailed in the program regulations, which were not provided in full) and 'substantive criteria' focusing on the 'most promising solutions'. Based on the program's objectives and stated goals, the following key factors are assessed:

Innovation and Technological Advancement: Emphasis is placed on startups developing innovative technologies within the Industry 4.0 domain (e.g., IIoT, VR, AR, AI, big data, robotics, automation for business processes) or the gaming sector. The technological readiness level (TRL) is a critical factor, with different TRL requirements depending on the chosen acceleration path (up to TRL 5 for 'Agnostic', TRL 5/6 or higher for 'Industry' and 'Go Global'). Solutions must be at least a prototype.
Problem-Solution Fit and Corporate Alignment: For the 'Industry' path, a major criterion is how well the startup's solution addresses the specific technological challenges identified by the program's corporate partners. This demonstrates direct market relevance and potential for real-world impact.
Market Potential and Scalability: The program seeks solutions with the potential for dynamic development and scaling. For the 'Go Global' path, the readiness of the solution/game for internationalization is a key aspect. The overall business model's viability and growth potential are also important.
Impact Expectations: Projects are assessed on their potential to deliver significant impact. This includes:
- Economic Impact: Ability to optimize production processes, reduce costs, increase efficiency, and facilitate market expansion.
- Social Impact: Although not explicitly detailed, the program's focus on improving industrial processes and fostering innovation can lead to job creation and skill development.
- Environmental Impact: Mention of technologies contributing to CO2 reduction and environmental protection (e.g., in partners' requirements) indicates this is a positive evaluation factor.
Quality and Readiness: The maturity of the prototype solution and its readiness for validation and test implementation with partners is critical.
Team and Capacity: While not explicitly listed as a scoring factor, the success of an acceleration program implicitly relies on the capacity, expertise, and commitment of the startup's team.
Cross-Cutting Themes: The program explicitly emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. Applications are assessed solely on formal and substantive merits, regardless of gender, religion, or nationality. This suggests that proposals from underrepresented groups will be given fair and unbiased consideration.

Compliance & Special Requirements

The KPT Scaleup Booster program operates under a set of compliance and special requirements designed to ensure effective and ethical project implementation:

Regulatory Compliance: Applicants must adhere to the formal criteria specified in the program's regulations (Regulamin). This implies compliance with general Polish business law and any specific industry regulations pertinent to the startup's solution. The program is funded by European Funds for Modern Economy (FENG), indicating compliance with EU and national funding regulations.
Data Protection and Privacy: While not explicitly detailed, general data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR in Poland/EU) would apply to any data handling within the projects.
Ethical Standards and Inclusivity: The program has an explicit policy of inclusivity. It supports all individuals regardless of gender, religion, or nationality and actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Applications are assessed solely on formal and substantive (meritorious) criteria, ensuring fair evaluation.
Intellectual Property Policies: The documents do not provide specific details on intellectual property (IP) policies. It is generally assumed that startups retain ownership of their IP, but this should be confirmed in the full program regulations or through direct inquiry.
Technology Specifications: Solutions should align with Industry 4.0 technologies such as IIoT, VR, AR, AI, big data, robotics, and automation. The specific TRL (Technological Readiness Level) requirements (up to TRL 5 for 'Agnostic' and TRL 5/6 or higher for 'Industry' and 'Go Global' paths) are critical technical specifications.
Risk Management and Security: While not detailed, the program's focus on industrial applications and corporate partnerships implies that sound risk management and security practices for proposed solutions are expected.
Unique Aspects and Strategic Opportunities:
- Three Tailored Acceleration Paths: The program offers distinct paths ('Industry', 'Go Global', 'Agnostic') to cater to different startup needs and maturity levels, providing highly specialized support.
- Direct Corporate Collaboration: A significant unique aspect is the program's direct connection to large industrial partners (e.g., Grupa Azoty, Maspex, Astor, MAN, Werner Kenkel, Żabka, Wawel, TAURON, ORLEN, Rywal Group). This offers startups invaluable opportunities for pilot testing, validation, and potential commercial deployment of their solutions within established companies.
- Comprehensive Support Ecosystem: Beyond funding, the program provides extensive expert mentorship, consulting, and networking opportunities, creating a holistic environment for business growth.
- Focus on Impact: The emphasis on solutions that contribute to Industry 4.0 advancement and even CO2 reduction aligns with broader sustainability goals.
Potential Challenges: Applicants may face challenges in precisely aligning their solutions with the specific technological needs of corporate partners for the 'Industry' path, or demonstrating sufficient readiness for rapid internationalization for 'Go Global'. Meeting the specified TRL levels is also a hard requirement.
Cross-Cutting Considerations: Beyond formal evaluation, the program's commitment to inclusivity indicates that diversity in applicant teams might be viewed favorably, aligning with modern strategic approaches to innovation.

Grant Details